A traveller has told of his "deep shame and embarrassment" after a raft of crashes, attacks and dangerous driving on a notorious Cambridge Road.

They have also apologised to fellow Fen Road and East Chesterton residents following a six-car crash caused by a "street race gone wrong" and a string of other incidents.

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The spate of danger driving, road rage attacks, eggings and the firing of air rifles at homes has prompted families to threaten to leave.

Calls have been made for police to talk to people living on the huge Fen Road travellers' site about the incident.

Traveller speaks out

Six cars were damaged in a collision on Fen Road

Now for the first time, a traveller who has lived on the Fen Road site for many years has spoken out on behalf of the community.

The grandfather, who asked not to be identified, said: "I'm from the travelling community and have lived on Fen Road for more than 25 years and we are all deeply ashamed of what's been happening.

"It's all down to about five or six youngsters, well men in their 20s and 30s, who are causing all these problems. First and foremost I want to say I am absolutely ashamed of them and totally disgusted.

"We feel as frustrated as the other residents. I have apologised to them in the shops and they say they know it isn't our fault but a small minority."

'Wild west'

Six cars were involved in the pile-up on Fen Road

Motorists sped along the road now described as the city's "wild west".

As drivers attempted to avoid them they were involved in a six-car smash on April 24.

In one of scores of incidents the doors of a vehicle were left open as it mounted a pavement to scare pedestrians and youths with air guns have also been shooting through front windows and at passing vehicles.

'We are sorry'

One driver left the scene

The traveller said: "There are always bad apples but 95 per cent of the travellers are hard-working, decent people and feel ashamed that this bunch are bringing this down on all of us.

"On behalf of the travelling community in Fen Road I want to apologise to the residents and we will do anything we can to stop this happening again before someone is seriously hurt.